Tim Baice - MHigherEd

"I see this masters as a form of professional development – providing ample opportunity for critical reflection – to think and re-think our current practices."

Tim Baice
Tim Baice

"The MHigherEd complements my previous masters degree (in Development Studies). Additionally it serves as an opportunity to reposition myself discipline-wise. As I do not have an education background, the MHigherEd as a professional qualification validates my years of experience in working in higher education spaces.

"In the course of my study, one of the areas I have developed a keen interest in is evaluation – particularly of programmes like Pasifika Success, which at the university level has not been formally reviewed since 2006. This is a great opportunity to work collectively with Pacific colleagues across the University think about the principles and values we would like to be included in a framework for evaluation.

"I am enjoying the opportunity to meet a diverse range of colleagues from across the University. We currently have seven people in our class who occupy a range of different roles from Professional Teaching Fellows, Tutors, Learning Designers and so on – and it has been fascinating learning about their experiences in working at the University, seeing things from their perspectives.

"Given much of my work is based in the Pacific space, it has been quite refreshing to step out into a diverse space and be given the time to think critically and reflect on our work. The course "Topics in Higher Education" allowed me to reflect on the location of equity programmes within higher education structures and to learn more about universal paradigms which continue to shape our experiences and understanding of higher education today.

"I have worked six years in my current role as Pasifika Success Coordinator at the Faculty of Education and Social Work – and like many others there was no template/ manual. You learn pretty quickly on the job. I have appreciated the way in which this course, the activities and the literature have in a way validated my professional experiences and how the degree continues to provide me opportunities to push the boundaries, to interrogate knowledge/ practice (things in general I take for granted), and the opportunity to connect the work that we are currently doing in Pasifika Success to national/ regional/ international conversations and literature.

"In future would definitely like to undertake PhD studies with a focus on Pacific education policy from a regional perspective – taking into account the experiences and knowledge and foci I have gained."

Tim Baice works as Pasifika Success Coordinator at the Faculty of Education and Social Work.